The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) has named Bryan Black its new national Repertoire & Resources (R&R) chair for Music in Worship.
Mr. Black is currently on staff at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and conducts the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Chorus based in Marietta. Black is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and keyboardist. He sang in the ASO Chamber Chorus under the late Robert Shaw. He has served in other ACDA leadership roles including president of Georgia ACDA and three terms as Southern Division R&R Chair for Music in Worship. Recently, Black has been invited to conduct masterworks and offer seminars for church musicians in Accra, Ghana. Black holds a B.M. from Samford University and an M.M. in choral conducting from The Florida State University.
In response to news of the appointment, Mr. Black stated “ACDA has helped make me an honest musician. Our organization recognizes specific aspects of choral areas, such as music and worship, but makes no allowances for sectarian dogma or artistic shortcuts. Through conference events, scholarship and networking, we (and our choirs) gain an honest perspective that empowers learning and broadens horizons. I am excited to share in ACDA’s work and support choral singing in faith communities across the country.”
Mr. Black joins a team of national R&R chairs who are specialists in a variety of areas, including choir types (like junior high/middle school choirs or community choirs) and repertoire-specific areas (such as contemporary/commercial or vocal jazz). National chairs are selected for their experience and expertise in their particular area. Their leadership duties include collaborating in selecting music that is to be presented in reading sessions at ACDA national conferences, serving on audition panels for choirs that apply to perform at national conferences, and in general providing leadership in their area of expertise.
ACDA’s executive director, Tim Sharp, noted, when announcing the news, “I am delighted with the appointment of Bryan Black to this important leadership role, and look forward to his leadership in this area of our work.”
Denice Rippentrop says
Dear Mr. Black –
I emailed Hilary A. the other day about finding choral directors that perform sacred choral music. My music is the traditional style and can be difficult. Hilary thought you might be able to help me find such directors. You can go to my website http://www.denicerippentrop.com or my self publishing company at http://www.beautifulstar.com to listen to some of my works. “Royal Scars” is my latest recording. It will give you some idea of my level and quality of my compositions. If you can help me out in anyway, I would be most appreciative. Thank you. Denice Rippentrop